REGIS LE BRIS acknowledges that Granit Xhaka might be experiencing the effects of a hangover following Xabi Alonso’s unsuccessful attempt to sign him for Chelsea.

However, the Sunderland manager asserts that his Swiss Superman’s fighting spirit remains strong.

Xhaka, 34, topped Alonso’s wishlist for Stamford Bridge following the Spaniard’s move to West London this summer.

The Chelsea boss was intent on a remarkable reunion with the influential playmaker, who played a crucial role in helping his Bayer Leverkusen team clinch the Bundesliga title.

Nevertheless, the Black Cats stood firm and prevented the transfer, keeping the 34-year-old on Wearside.

Since that episode, Xhaka’s form has declined, with the midfielder appearing far less effective than before.

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Alonso eventually opted for Jordan Henderson, a Mackem who rose through the ranks at his local club before making a big-money move to Liverpool in 2011.

As Sunderland struggles at the bottom of the league, few would fault Xhaka for glancing enviously at Henderson, now playing for top-four contenders Chelsea, this afternoon.

When asked if the transfer saga impacted Xhaka and possibly disrupted team unity, head coach Le Bris replied: “[It’s] hard to say. It’s always complex. It’s one element in the equation, so I don’t know, to be fair.”

Opposing manager Alonso declined to elaborate on his interest in Xhaka, but acknowledged the crucial part the midfielder played in Leverkusen’s triumphs.

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Alonso remarked: “We communicated a lot during our time at Leverkusen because Granit was a vital component of that squad.

“He connected many pieces together in the midfield and with the back three. It was a great time together, and I’m looking forward to seeing him on Sunday.”

Xhaka has faced difficulties in the past as Arsenal’s captain, having contentious interactions with fans before losing the armband.

Yet, he was rejuvenated under Mikel Arteta, but Le Bris claims he hasn’t had to undergo any similar rehabilitation.

He stated: “What I observe daily is Granit’s involvement, his standards, training ethic, and his commitment to Sunderland.

“On Thursday, we had planned for him to play 60 minutes, but at half-time he said, ‘I’ll play the full match. I want to help the squad.’ That’s Granit.

“Like anyone, he will experience highs and lows. At 34, you aren’t the same player you were at 23. His game is evolving too, yet his dedication is undisputed.”

Meanwhile, Xhaka’s teammate, Trai Hume, insists their current struggles are not related to Xhaka’s brief connection with Chelsea.

The Northern Ireland defender stated: “No, it hasn’t affected us as players. Granit has been a pivotal figure for the club since he arrived. He’s our captain, our leader, and he understands, just like us, that he can improve and so can we.

“He expects more from us. We must raise our performance to the levels we know we can achieve but haven’t so far this season. As players, we are capable and need to meet the benchmarks of the Premier League.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t hit those standards yet, but that’s what we need to focus on going forward.”

Xhaka was a marquee signing in the summer of 2025 after Le Bris’s successful promotion campaign with Sunderland. Raising eyebrows, the Black Cats managed to secure him for £17m, and he proved valuable by leading them to Europa League qualification last season.

However, it could just as easily have been Henderson lining up in red and white today.

The England international was eager to make a return to the Premier League after unhappy stints in Saudi Arabia and Ajax.

Despite earlier denials, Le Bris has now confirmed that owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and director of football Florent Ghisolfi indeed discussed a potential emotional return for Henderson.

He expressed satisfaction with the outcome, choosing Xhaka instead, while Henderson later joined Brentford before making his way to Stamford Bridge this summer.

He remarked: “Absolutely! Granit is fantastic as well. Jordan is an exceptional player, of course. The connection with the club wasn’t my decision; that was between Flo and Kyril. They had discussions.

“I believed that he could have been a great signing and a significant symbol for the club—an outstanding player and leader. But that’s the nature of the transfer market.”